Sony Pictures To Worship "The Monk"

In a new effort to expand into China, Sony Pictures has sealed partnership deals with Chinese filmmakers and companies. The first project of this deal with be the martial arts action thriller "The Monk".

The story follows a young monk forced to leave his impoverished monastery and rely on his extraordinary martial arts skills to survive outside.

He discovers a rare book about a lost martial art - a book coveted by a dangerous and ruthless father and son pairing.

Palme d'Or-winning director Chen Kaige will helm the project which is filming on location in Hebei Province. A Summer 2015 release is planned.

Sony and New Classics Media are also teaming for a Chinese remake of the 1997 rom-com "My Best Friend's Wedding" which would begin filming in December.